Leitrim trad stars broadcast to the world ahead of The Gathering

Leitrim has announced its own innovative idea to promote the county for the Gathering 2013 by hosting a live Trad session webcast on Tuesday 20th November.

They plan to reach out and interact with the overseas community giving them a taste of Leitrim’s traditional music and cultural wealth in their living rooms. Leitrim aims to encourage them to visit Leitrim in 2013 as part of The Gathering and to celebrate Carrick on Shannon’s 400th Anniversary.

The event will be broadcast from The Dock in Carrick on Shannon. Musicians performing will include Eleanor Shanley, Donal Lunny, John Carty, and Seamus Begley supported by a host of Leitrim musicians, with former eurovision winner and well known traditional music star Charlie McGettigan acting as host for the evening.

Commenting on the event, Sinead McDermott, Leitrim Tourism said, “We are thrilled to announce this fantastic initiative to promote Leitrim to overseas visitors around the world. It is a unique opportunity to reach out and bring a taste of Leitrim music and culture right into people’s living rooms and to remind people how easy it is to access Leitrim from overseas through Ireland West Airport.

“Not only that but as an interactive experience people logging on can take part in the session and also be in with a chance of winning a fantastic holiday to Leitrim in 2013 including flights and accommodation.”

Emphasising that this event isn’t just for overseas viewers, Charlie McGettigan, Chairperson of Leitrim Gathering explained, “We are encouraging everyone associated with Leitrim to log on and take part, remember every single person living in Leitrim or in the surrounding area can help promote this wonderful event and we encourage people to share these details with their overseas friends via facebook, twitter, websites, email even an old style traditional letter! Everybody can help make Leitrim a must see location for The Gathering and to celebrate Carrick on Shannon 400 in 2013.”

The website www.irelandwesttrad.com will not only host live music but will also showcase all the Leitrim attractions and events currently involved with Leitrim Tourism including the upcoming Leitrim Roots Festival which takes place in September 2013.

In advance of the live trad session, Leitrim Tourism are encouraging people to visit the website and register their details and be in with a chance to win a dream holiday to Leitrim with a full package of free flights, overnight 5 star accommodation, river cruises and car hire. The winning entry will be announced live during the webcast on November 20th.

The webcast, a collaboration between Ireland West Airport and Leitrim Tourism, the live Trad Session, will take place between 8pm and 10pm GMT and can be viewed on www.irelandwesttrad.com.